THE Chronicle can reveal the name of Crewe's new £20m high school will be the Sir William Stanier Community School.

A competition was launched by the Chronicle in March, challenging readers to come up with a suitable name for the new school, which will see the amalgamation of pupils from Victoria Community High and Coppenhall High School.

Sir William Stanier was a famous locomotive engineer, whose work became synonymous with Crewe during a time when the town was growing rapidly around the railways.

School spokeswoman Sara Randle said: 'We had 51 different school names suggested, which was narrowed down to a shortlist of 12. The governors decided on Sir William Stanier as they felt it was quite appropriate given Crewe's history.

'The chosen name takes on extra significance, as the new school has just received the status of Specialist School of Technology and Arts.'

Full planning permission for the new school will be submitted next month, with building expected to begin on the site currently occupied by Coppenhall High School's playing fields in November. With a capacity for 1,050 pupils, the school will open its doors in September 2009.

New headteacher Mark Stanyer said: 'I see it as a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the largest school in Crewe. I'm extremely excited by the opportunity this will provide for the local community.

'Our aim is to provide high quality teaching and learning in a purpose-built building that will meet the needs of all learners in the 21st Century.'

Meanwhile, pupils and parents will next week have their first opportunity to view the plans at an exhibition at the town's Asda on Monday from 1-4pm, and at Coppenhall High School from 5-7pm.

County council children's services executive member David Rowlands said: 'These informal drop-in sessions enable local residents to see how the plans have developed. There will be an opportunity to speak to members of the design team and to learn more about the emerging design.

'I would urge members of the local community not to miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting challenge to create a 21st Century school we can all be proud of.' ..SUPL: